During the hour-long meeting, she also expressed the hope that future Assembly polls and the 2009 general election would be held in a free and fair manner.

Later Ms. Mayawati told presspersons: "I met the Chief Election Commissioner and thanked him for ensuring free and fair elections in Uttar Pradesh. The Commission has an important role in safeguarding the Constitution.

"People belonging to weaker sections and the poor among the upper castes, who were not allowed to vote earlier, exercised their franchise this time. This has strengthened democracy. The special steps taken by the Commission are appreciable."